How to Make Warm Garlic Oil for Ear Infections

By Katherine Huether

If you’ve ever had an ear infection so bad that you ended up waking up in the night with such pain and you couldn’t fall back asleep, then you know the importance of finding good remedies for the problem. Some ear infections are so bad, ears can ooze. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for ear infections, and they work well to relieve the problem.

But constant use of antibiotics isn’t necessarily good for you. With mild ear infections, you might prefer to use a home remedy rather than run to the doctor for a prescription. After all, a home remedy is convenient in the middle of the night when the doctor’s office isn’t open. If your ear infection feels better in the morning, then you may be able to avoid a doctor’s visit altogether.

Keep in mind that if you let an ear infection go for too long, you could actually lose your hearing. But using a warm garlic oil is a nice supplement to antibiotics, and can help considerably in milder cases. A garlic oil preparation helps relieve the pain, and it also takes advantage of garlic’s antibacterial properties.

Things You'll Need

Microwave

Microwave-safe bowl

2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

1/2 cup olive oil

Cotton swab or dropper

Glass mason jar

Decide which method you will use to make the garlic oil. One method involves using a microwave, which means the oil will be ready right away. This oil doesn’t have as long of a shelf life, however. With the other option, you need to let the garlic and oil steep for at least a week.

Add the 1/2 cup of olive oil and two cloves of peeled and crushed garlic to a microwave-safe bowl, if you decide to make the mix in the microwave. Microwave the contents on high for 30 seconds to one minute, or until the oil becomes hot. Apply it to the ear with a dropper or with a cotton swab once the oil cools to room temperature. You’ll need to use this mix within a few days.

Prepare the oil in advance, and it will keep for about one to two weeks after it’s ready. Add the garlic to a mason jar, then pour the oil into the jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. The oil will be ready in one week, and you can then apply the oil to the ear with a cotton swab or dropper.

Keep the oil in your ear for at least one minute after adding it to your ear. Keep it in for longer if you’re really in pain.